Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Selenna Rafailes, founder of Karaoki Candles, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Karaoki Candles is a fun music-inspired candle company. Each candle is hand-made in small batches and specially designed to look like vinyl records. Our candles combine good music and exciting scents to bring you a whole new experience. Just like how music can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all ages, so can our candles!
Tell us about yourself
I started making candles because I wanted to have a creative outlet, and I needed a healthy way to cope with the stresses of everyday life. I found the candle-making process to be very therapeutic, and I fell in love with the idea of being able to create something unique. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and singing karaoke has always been one of my favorite past times. I decided to combine my two favorite things, and Karaoki Candles was born. I wanted the theme of my candles to be colorful and bright because I wanted everyone to feel happy just by looking at them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to say that I started this business from the ground up all by myself. Everything about Karaoki Candles started as a small idea in my head that I worked really hard to make a reality. This business is only a one-woman show (for now), but I'm really proud of myself for being able to accomplish all the things I set my mind to.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing would probably be trying to create a healthy work-life balance. I am constantly thinking of things that I need to do and all the ways to improve my business. I always have to remind myself to take a step back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start. You will never truly know what'll happen until you try. Your first idea or first product may not be the best, but you can always improve and learn from it. This was something that I struggled with in the early stages, but not everything has to be perfect before you start.
- Believe in yourself. You are more than capable of doing anything you set your mind to. Try to ignore all that self-doubt or outside opinion and trust that you have something good. If you aren't confident in yourself or your product, it'll be harder for anyone else to be confident in it too.
- It's not easy, but it's worth it. You definitely have to be 100% dedicated to your business if you want it to be something. There are going to be days that are harder than others, but it's important to remind yourself why you're doing this in the first place.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always be open-minded. You never know what the universe has in store for you. :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://karaokicandles.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Q9hw39
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaokicandles/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.